About

ABOUT KNOXHMIS

The Knoxville Homeless Management Information System (KnoxHMIS) is a secure, online database of demographic and service delivery information of individuals experiencing Homelessness. KnoxHMIS is the designated repository to facilitate our community’s efforts to accomplish Coordinated Assessment of those experiencing homelessness. Area service agencies assisting those experiencing homelessness are allowed access to share client information. KnoxHMIS is designated as Knoxville-Knox County’s lead reporting agent for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grantees, SAMHSA Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), Veteran’s Administration Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF), Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs, THDA Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), Knox County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the City of Knoxville’s Mayor’s Roundtable Plan to Address Homelessness. Data from KnoxHMIS are used to help agencies and our community measure accountability and plan effective programs to alleviate homelessness.

HISTORY

The Knoxville Homeless Management Information System (KnoxHMIS) started operation in 2004 through the efforts of Dr. David Patterson, Endowed Professor of Mental Health Research and Practice. KnoxHMIS was kickstarted through a grant provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which remains a primary funder in addition to local funding. KnoxHMIS is a collaborative project between the University of Tennessee College of Social Work and the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service. As part of University of Tennessee-Knoxville land grant mission, KnoxHMIS serves as a community outreach research partner. As such, we endeavor to engage with our community partners to foster greater understanding of the social consequences, human impact, and other deleterious effects of homelessness. KnoxHMIS provides community agencies and policy-makers de-indentified data and analysis necessary for them to identify resource gaps needed for individuals experiencing homelessness to gain stability and housing.

LEADERSHIP

Over 38,000 individuals experiencing homelessness have been entered into KnoxHMIS since operation began.

– 35% of the 2015 individuals were new to KnoxHMIS.
– 23% of those new to KnoxHMIS initiated services through partners providing homeless prevention.
– 68% of persons exiting programs (N=3,573) were placed in positive housing (i.e. owning, renting, permanent housing, or living with family/friends permanent tenure).

KnoxHMIS serves as the source on data regarding those experiencing homelessness in our community.

KnoxHMIS is a multifaceted enterprise whose operations address four goals:

1.) Operate the information systems for the community providers,
2.) Increase community collaboration to end homelessness,
3.) Research trends among those experiencing homelessness, and
4.) Provide a spectrum of reporting to community partners, local government, and HUD.